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New Orleans Pelicans vs. Miami Heat: Preview, Predictions and Picks for January 1, 2025

Updated on:
Jan 1, 2025 7:38 PM
The struggling New Orleans Pelicans, mired in a 10-game skid, head to the Kaseya Center on January 1 to take on the Miami Heat, who are looking to build on their 16-14 record and strong 9-5 home mark. The Pelicans, sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference, will need to find a way to overcome their woeful 1-14 road record if they hope to end their current losing streak. Can they turn it around against a Miami team that's 11-10 against Eastern Conference foes?
New Orleans Pelicans vs Miami Heat

Current Odds

NO
MIA
Over
217.5
-110
Under
219.5
-105
NO
+11.5
-110
MIA
-9.5
+112
NO
ML
+829
MIA
ML
-375

Miami Heat recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
12/29/24 @ Houston Rockets W 104-100
12/28/24 @ Atlanta Hawks L 120-110
12/26/24 @ Orlando Magic W 89-88
12/23/24 vs Brooklyn Nets W 110-95
12/21/24 @ Orlando Magic L 121-114

New Orleans Pelicans recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
12/30/24 vs LA Clippers L 116-113
12/27/24 vs Memphis Grizzlies L 132-124
12/26/24 vs Houston Rockets L 128-111
12/22/24 vs Denver Nuggets L 132-129 OT
12/21/24 vs New York Knicks L 104-93

Miami Heat injuries

  • Terry Rozier (SG): Suspension
  • Duncan Robinson (F): Day-To-Day
  • Josh Richardson (SG): Out
  • Dru Smith (G): Out

New Orleans Pelicans injuries

  • Karlo Matkovic (C): Out
  • Jose Alvarado (PG): Out
  • Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (F): Day-To-Day
  • Zion Williamson (PF): Out
  • Brandon Ingram (SF): Out

Pelicans vs Heat game info

Type Info
Venue Kaseya Center
Location Miami, FL
Tip-off Wed 7:30 PM

Pelicans vs Heat predictions

When thinking about the New Orleans Pelicans, CJ McCollum is always a player to watch. Scoring 21.4 points per game, he emerges as a key offensive factor. Alongside him, Yves Missi commands the boards with an impressive 8.5 rebounds per game. His height and hustle might just give the Pelicans a chance under the rim. Trey Murphy, expected to put up around 21.4 points himself, is another promising piece in their arsenal. The Pelicans haven’t found their rhythm yet this season, sitting depressingly with only one road win. But, with players like Herbert Jones projected to make a solid impact through consistent defensive numbers and Dejounte Murray bringing an all-around presence, there could be surprises, perhaps even a break from that dreaded 10-game skid.

Switching gears to the Miami Heat, their squad boasts some serious firepower. The contribution from Tyler Herro cannot be overstated. Averaging 24 points a game, he’s the spark plug for this team. And then there's Jimmy Butler doing Jimmy Butler things. With all-around numbers, including close to 19 points per game and a knack for timely steals and clutch performances, he’s a player who can change the course of any game. Can't forget Bam Adebayo; he's a pure force down low with nearly double-digit rebounding stats. His partnership with Herro is like a well-oiled offensive machine. Team chemistry fills the air, and given their current standings and home court at the Kaseya Center, there's a lot for Heat fans to be optimistic about.

Now, it’s prediction time. The Pelicans are certainly underdogs, no denying that with their current run of form. Combined with the intimidating stats backing Miami’s squad, the odds are heavily stacked against New Orleans. The Heat's prowess on both ends of the floor coupled with their home record creates an imposing challenge for a Pelicans team still finding their footing. Although in sports, surprises aren't unusual, Miami's momentum and depth might just be the clinching factors. So if you're placing bets or just contemplating the wind-ranking outcomes, Miami Heat seems to be the favorite right now, ready to take another leap in the Eastern Conference standings.

Miami Heat

New Orleans Pelicans

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